For Arsenal: While the Gunners were always set to bid farewell to several first-team players this summer, as a whole host of contracts came up for renewal, reports suggested that Mead was one of those coming to the end of her deal that the club wanted to keep around. Despite not being a sure-fire starter this past season, the England international was still very effective and added plenty both in and out of possession for the two-time European champions. Arsenal could not match the length of deal being offered by Man City, though, meaning an unwanted goodbye. Replacing her well will be key this summer, with plenty of creativity and goal threat having departed north London as a result of this move. Grade: D
For Man City: The wide areas are well-stocked at Man City, making this an eyebrow-raising deal to some degree for many. A three-year deal for a player who has just turned 31 years old is always going to force a double take, too. But Mead has performed consistently well at the highest level for years now and she brings reliability, experience and winning mentality to the new WSL champions. If City want to compete for domestic titles again next season, they need a deeper squad, as a return to the Champions League is also coming. Mead, who is versatile enough to play across the front line, brings exactly that. Grade: B
For Mead: With a World Cup to come next year, game time is vital for Mead in this upcoming season if she wants to play a key role for England in Brazil – should they qualify. This move doesn’t necessarily guarantee that, given the depth City have in attack, but rotation will be vital should Andree Jeglertz’s side be able to compete on four fronts and Mead should therefore get plenty of opportunity to play and, in turn, force herself into the starting line-up. It’s also worth noting the positives of this move on a personal level for the winger. A three-year deal with a top club aged 31 is one of them, as is the reunion with partner Vivianne Miedema, who starred for City last season. Grade: B
